April 22, 2009 Servant Attitude
Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 25–26; Psalms 63; Matthew 9
Scripture Focus:
1 Samuel 25:41 Then [Abigail] arose, bowed her face to the earth, and said, “Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”
Observation:
When I read this verse today I thought it might be fun to try it out on my husband Charlie, just as a joke. How would he react if I bowed down to the ground before him and said, “Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”? I could just imagine his chuckles of amusement.
But then it struck me—whoa! That’s exactly what Jesus did at the last supper! He bowed before his disciples and washed their dirty feet one by one. And here’s what Jesus said when he was done:
“Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’ feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12–17)
In another passage Jesus says this:
“Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
Application:
Having a servant attitude is not an option. It’s part of kingdom living. Abigail expressed her servant heart by bowing down to the ground and saying she was willing to do anything. I might not bow to the ground or use the same expression, but my heart attitude needs to be the same: “What do you want me to do, Lord? I’ll do whatever you say!”
Prayer:
Abba Father, today is a new opportunity to serve. May I truly have a servant’s heart in whatever I do. Amen
